This article is from page 13 of the 2006-10-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
A DEADLINE has been imposed on a developer to erect fencing along a stretch of river, after Ennis Town Council bowed to the concerns of local residents.
The council will today (Tuesday) erect a dangerous place notice in the Aughanteeroe Housing estate.
The council has moved after residents expressed strong fears concerning the ease of access to the River Fergus, which runs directly behind the Gort Road housing estate.
The area, which is prone to heavy flooding, is easily accessed by children living in the area and residents have long campaigned to have suitable fencing erected.
There were also concerns over a green area fronting on to a section of the Corrovorrin river, near the entrance to Aughanteeroe.
“We are absolutely delighted the safety notice will be issued. It’s not only the Fergus but the river near Cois Na hAbhana is very deep and fast and is particularly dangerous at the moment,” Geraldine Sullivan, secretary for the Aughanteeroe residents association said.
Under the terms of the notice, Kamer Construction must erect fencing within a set deadline, typically seven or fourteen days. Otherwise the council will use the money from a bond held over from the developer to cover the cost of the work.
The issue was raised at yesterday’s monthly meeting of Ennis Town Council where members called for immediate action to be taken.
Town Engineer Tom Tiernan explained discussions had been held with the Office of Public Works in an effort to expedite work on the Ennis flood relief scheme due to take along the banks of the river.
Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said residents deserved better and the situation could no longer be ignored.
“It could take up to 18 months for work to begin. The developer has made a lot of money out of that community and should be made to fulfil his responsibilities. This is a very urgent issue we cannot wait until one life is lost”
Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind,) who had previously raised the issue with the council, asked “are we waiting for someone to get drowned?”
Cllr Mary Coote Ryan (FG) echoed these concerns while Cllr Taiwoo Matthew (Ind) said the council needed to be pro-active in matters of public safety.